There are many choices of safe substrates that you can use in a sulcata tortoise enclosure. Cedar mulch is not a safe substrate to use in a tortoise enclosure.
Why is Cedar Mulch Toxic to Sulcata Tortoises?
Cedar is a strong wood, popular to use in furniture. But, the leftover cedar shavings and mulch is popular to use in landscaping. Cedar mulch is great for weed control, blocking sunlight needed for seed germination. It also naturally repels insects, like ants, fleas, termites, roaches, crickets and slugs.
Cedar has a strong odor and emits oil that can be very toxic when heated by the sun or an indoor heat source. When used in landscaping, the oils and fumes can easily disperse, making cedar mulch slightly safer for adult tortoises who may come in contact with it. When using cedar mulch for sulcata tortoise indoor enclosure, the fumes are more concentrated and can be quite dangerous for baby tortoises confined in the enclosure.
New cedar tends to emit more toxic fumes. Old cedar that has already been sun-baked emit less fumes.
Safe Substrate for Sulcata Tortoise
There are many safe substrate options to use in a baby sulcata enclosure or around adult sulcatas.
